Teenagers gave up their weekend to do something for others when they spruced up a community centre as part of a national action day.

The volunteers decided to roll up their sleeves and renovate the gym at the North Lynn Discovery Centre when they got involved with the National Citizen Service (NCS) Action Day on Saturday.

NCS Action Day at North Lynn Discovery Centre

The team of six were all graduates of NCS, a government-backed youth programme which gives 15 to 17-year-olds the chance to take on challenges, meet new people and work in the community while building skills for work and life.

The annual Action Day event, now in its second year, aims to bring graduates back together once again and showcase their enthusiasm for making a difference to their communities since taking part in the scheme.

During the day at the Discovery Centre, the group brightened up the gym by painting the walls white.

They then used special chalkboard paint to create spaces for the gym’s users to write down their personal bests or inspirational quotes.

NCS Action Day at North Lynn Discovery Centre

One of the volunteers was Gemma Ayres, from Lynn, who took part in NCS last summer.

The 17-year-old said: “We wanted to help the Discovery Centre as it does so much great work for local young people.

“We managed to paint one wall of the gym and were really pleased with it. We’ll be going back some point soon to finish the rest.”

Gemma said her time on NCS gave her more confidence and helped her to see the importance of volunteering:

“I think it’s really important to volunteer. Doing so gives you something great to talk about on your CV and it shows that you’re a really proactive person who isn’t doing it for the money, but because you want to help your community,” she said.

“I’d definitely encourage other young people from King’s Lynn to take part in NCS this year. Not only does it enhance your confidence, it lets you get to know others from the area who you might never have met.

“The programme helps you to learn loads of great workplace skills and you are given a lot of extra opportunities after doing NCS.”

Taking place three times a year outside of term time, NCS is a two or three weekprogramme open to all 15 to 17-year-olds.

NCS graduate Gemma Ayres.

It involves a stay at an outdoor activity centre, the opportunity to gain new skills, a way to make new friends, and the chance to plan and run your own community project.

After completing the programme, participants become NCS graduates, with access to a wide range of opportunities to continue making their mark in their communities.

To find out more about the spring, summer and autumn programmes in Lynn visit www.ncseast.co.uk.